All Church abuse articles
-
OpinionDon’t scapegoat migrants. Christian men and boys abuse women too
If we want to stop violence against woman and girls, we need to tackle the rape culture in our schools and the abuse in our churches, not just issue guidance to migrants, says Bekah Legg. The statistics prove that British men and boys raised with Christian values also abuse those made in God’s image
-
OpinionJeffrey Donaldson’s conviction exposes the danger of confusing charisma with Christian character
The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of historical sex offences in a trial that has shaken Northern Ireland to its core. A professing Christian and prominent public figure, his crimes demand a serious response from the Church, says David Smyth
-
OpinionIs Bethel Church’s ‘culture of honour’ protecting predators?
Following recent scandals and allegations of abuse, Bethel Church leaders have announced a wide review of governance, culture and ministry practices. Some believe the megachurch should take a closer look at its potentially destructive ‘culture of honour’. Former Bethel student Tim Boxer explains more
-
OpinionThe system that pays worship songwriters is broken. Here’s our alternative plan
The Texas-based Austin Stone Worship collective were forced to rethink how Christian songwriters are compensated after a painful scandal involving their own worship pastor. Kenny Kinglesmith explains what an alternative to CCLI might look like
-
OpinionPower and abuse don’t have to go together. Here’s how Christians can turn the tide
With so many stories of powerful people abusing those around them, it is easy to become discouraged, says Patrick Regan. But as Christians, we should take the opportunity to examine ourselves, and ask how we can use whatever power and influence we have to heal, not hurt
-
OpinionJonathan Fletcher’s victims will not see justice thanks to CofE safeguarding failures
Jonathan Fletcher’s dementia means that although a jury has found he committed abuse, he will not be punished. But the Church’s inadequate safeguarding is also to blame for denying his victims proper justice, argues Gavin Drake
-
OpinionI was a student at Bethel. Abuse must be dealt with, but I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus
Church scandals have rocked Tim Boxer’s faith in the past. But as new allegations emerge surrounding Bethel Church, he believes speculation is unhelpful. A resolve to deal with abuse needs to be coupled with keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, he says
-
OpinionThe Telegraph is publishing dangerous myths about Justin Welby and therapy
A recent column in The Telegraph implied that Christian leaders shouldn’t need therapy because they can ask God for help instead. Fr Mark Edwards explains why he believes this viewpoint is both wrong and pastorally reckless
-
ReviewsSee No Evil: This Channel 4 documentary paints John Smyth’s family as his first victims
A new documentary on the Church of England’s most prolific abuser John Smyth includes exclusive interviews with his three children and the wife who stood by him til the end. It’s a harrowing tale of a psychopathic patriarch whose family lived in fear of him, says Tim Wyatt. But was his wife a victim - or should she have done more to stop him?
-
OpinionChurch leaders: Here’s what to say to a domestic abuse survivor
The Californian church formerly led by John MacArthur is being sued by a women who reported domestic and sexual abuse - yet was allegedly told to go home and ‘submit’ to her husband. Shockingly, it is not an isolated incident, says Restored’s Bekah Legg. Many church leaders are not equipped to respond well. Here’s how we can all do better
-
OpinionAn FIEC church deacon has been jailed for child sex abuse. We must learn the lessons
Michael Toms was convicted on nine counts including rape and indecent assault of two girls. Having attended the sentencing hearing, Susie Leafe says his case reveals the same troubling dynamics of abuse seen across other church denominations
-
Magazine FeaturesA UK church has paid £100,000 to settle a sexual abuse case. Here is Claire's story
A UK church recently paid £100,000 to a woman who was sexually abused by her pastor and boss. Claire* shares her story exclusively with Premier Christianity – and challenges the Church to do better when confronted with the unthinkable
-
Real Life‘Being silenced by my church was like being re-abused’
A UK church recently paid £100,000 to a woman abused by her pastor and boss. The abuse Claire* suffered and the lessons churches need to learn have already been published exclusively by Premier Christianity within this major article. But here is Claire’s full story in her own words
-
OpinionRobert Morris has finally been brought to justice. The Church must stop protecting predators
Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church has pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl - yet he will serve only six months in jail. Beth Allison Barr celebrates the courage of survivor Cindy Clemishire, who fought for decades to see justice served
-
News AnalysisExplained: Who was Chris Brain and what was the Nine O’Clock Service?
Chris Brain, leader of the now-disgraced Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault. It is the latest scandal to rock the CofE and once again poses questions around complaints that were ignored for years
-
Real Life‘The Jesus Army nearly broke my faith – but Christ’s teachings still sustain me’
The Jesus Fellowship Church started as a small Christian commune but became one of the most abusive cults in Britain. Since closing in 2019, it has paid out more than £7.7m in compensation to abuse survivors and twelve members have been convicted of sexual offences. John Everett shares his story of how he was recruited into the Jesus Army, and what happened when he left
-
Magazine FeaturesTirades of abuse, constant criticism and physical assault: Meet the church leaders abused by their congregations
As one church leader reports being afraid to open their emails in anticipation of the abuse they’re likely to receive, Heather Tomlinson investigates the claim that pastors - not congregants - are the most common victims of spiritual abuse
-
OpinionWhy holiness, hunger and humility can prevent moral failure in the Church
A new scandal involving a pastor, Christian musician or ministry leader seems to come to light most months. It would be easy to become cynical, admits Alain Emerson. But God is raising up holy, humble, hungry leaders – they just may not be the ones you imagine
-
OpinionDr Michael Brown has been accused of sexual misconduct. He should not return to ministry
An independent report has said the prominent Christian apologist Dr Michael Brown engaged in “sexually abusive misconduct” yet those who commissioned the report have cleared him to return to ministry. We must not confuse forgiveness with re-admittance to leadership - it’s re-traumatising for victims and unsafe for the Church, argues Gavin Drake
-
Magazine Features8 ways to prevent prophetic abuse in your church
How can your church create a safe, biblical culture around the powerful gift of prophecy? David Shadbolt shares wisdom on guarding against the manipulation it’s vulnerable to, while making room for the Spirit to move
